Arise Great Barrier Reef! Arise!!
Sea level rise is an environmental crisis that kayakers care about deeply. It threatens many coastal communities, like the entire State of Florida.
With the ocean slowly encroaching on low-lying areas, there’s a need for drastic measures to protect the area from flooding and erosion. One solution is to build artificial barrier reefs off the coast in order to slow down wave action, reduce- even reverse erosion, and give marine life additional habitat while treating urban runoff, purifying our sea water, increase atmospheric oxygen, sequester carbon 50X more than terrestrial trees all while filling our aquifers and reversing the mass extinction occurring due to human habitat destruction.
In this blog post:
Look at how these artificial barrier reefs can protect Florida from sea level rise, examine their potential effectiveness, and discuss if they pose any risks to local ecosystems. But also, this is a biblical opportunity to rise barrier reefs and create millions of acres of Mangrove Forests and Oyster Reefs. By understanding the full scope of this potential solution, we can make an informed decision as to whether or not they should be deployed in our fight against rising waters.
Behind an artificial reef wetland habitats can take hold and actually rise with every passing tide and storm. Imagine this… Land level rise is a thing. Researchers at the GTM NERR in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL tell us that the global average rate of rise for both sea level and estuary land level is 3mm per year. Even more if oysters and mangrove trees are present.
Artificial Reefs Reduce Florida's Vulnerability to Sea Level Rise
As the global climate continues to warm, one of the key concerns is the potential for rising sea levels. This is especially true for Florida, which is highly vulnerable to sea level rise.
There are a number of reasons why Florida is particularly vulnerable to sea level rise. First, the state has a large coastline and much of it is at or near sea level. Second, the state’s geology is such that it is actually sinking, which means that any rise in sea level will have an amplified effect. And third, Florida has a large population and economy that would be severely impacted by any flooding caused by rising seas.
So what can be done to protect Florida from sea level rise? One option that has been proposed is the construction of artificial barrier reefs. These would be built offshore and act as a buffer against rising waters. The reef would also provide valuable habitat for fish and other marine life.
While this may seem like a radical solution, it could be very effective in protecting Florida from rising seas. And it’s not as far-fetched as it may sound – similar structures have already been built in other parts of the world with great success.
Artificial reefs create habitat, shoreline protection, clean water, and food security.
Artificial reefs are man-made structures that are built to promote marine life and enhance the natural beauty of an area. Reefs can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete, stone, metal, or even old ships and airplanes. They are often used to create habitat for fish and other marine creatures. They not only protect shorelines from erosion and provide clean water for swimming and other activities, they accelerate the rate at which shorelines and coastal estuaries rise in tandem with sea level rise.
Reefs also provide an important food source for many animals. When fish and other creatures congregate around a reef, they attract predators like sharks and whales. This helps to keep the population of these animals in check, which is important for the health of the ecosystem as a whole.
In recent years, there has been an increased interest in using artificial reefs to combat sea level rise. As sea levels continue to rise due to climate change, coastal communities are increasingly at risk of flooding and damage from storms. By building artificial reefs offshore, we can help to protect these communities from the worst effects of sea level rise.
Artificial reefs are not a perfect solution to sea level rise, but they can be an important part of our overall strategy for protecting vulnerable coastlines. If you live in a coastal community, consider supporting efforts to build artificial reefs in your area.
Create Mangrove Habitat
Yes, artificial barrier reefs can create mangrove habitats. Artificial reef structures can provide the necessary structure for mangroves to take root and grow. The complex structure of the artificial reef creates a variety of different substrate levels, providing a suitable environment for various species of mangroves to establish themselves. Artificial barrier reefs also help to reduce wave energy, creating a sheltered habitat for mangrove seedlings and protecting them from strong ocean currents which can damage or dislodge them from their substrate. In addition, artificial reefs can increase the availability of nutrients in the water column and sediment around them, providing an ideal food source for many species of aquatic plants and animals including mangroves.
What is Sea Level Rise?
As the Earth’s climate continues to warm, one of the most significant impacts will be sea level rise. The oceans will expand as they warm, and melting ice sheets and glaciers will add more water to the seas. As a result, global sea level is projected to rise between 1 and 8 feet by 2100.
Sea level rise will have a number of impacts on coastal communities, including increased flooding and erosion. Storm surge and waves will become more destructive as they crash against higher sea levels. And saltwater intrusion will contaminate freshwater resources and damage infrastructure.
It’s not just low-lying coastal areas that will be affected by sea level rise. Inland communities could see an influx of climate refugees from coastlines around the world. And as seas continue to rise, the impact on people and the environment is likely to worsen.
That’s why it’s so important to take action to mitigate sea level rise. One way to do this is by building artificial barrier reefs off Florida’s coast. These reefs would act as a buffer against rising waters, protecting Florida’s coastline from the worst effects of sea level rise.
The Benefits of an Artificial Barrier Reef
There are many benefits to building an artificial barrier reef off the coast of Florida. One of the most important is that it would help protect against sea level rise. The reef would act as a buffer, absorbing some of the energy from the waves and reducing the impact of rising waters on the shoreline.
In addition, an artificial reef would provide habitat for fish and other marine life. The reefs would attract fish that feed on the algae and small organisms that live on them, providing a valuable food source for predators. The reefs would also provide shelter for young fish and other animals.
Artificial reefs can be built relatively quickly and cheaply, compared to other methods of coastal protection such as seawalls. They can also be designed to blend in with natural surroundings, making them more aesthetically pleasing than man-made structures.
Overall, building an artificial barrier reef off the coast of Florida would provide significant benefits in terms of protecting against sea level rise and providing habitat for marine life.
The Cost of Building Artificial Reefs
Building an artificial barrier reef is not a cheap undertaking. The cost of constructing just one mile of reef can range from $1 million to $10 million, depending on the materials used and the depth of the reef. But when you consider the potential benefits that a well-built artificial reef can provide – including protecting Florida’s coast from erosion and sea level rise – the cost begins to look like a bargain.
There are a number of different ways to build an artificial barrier reef, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. One popular method is to use large concrete blocks or boulders, which can be placed on the seafloor in a carefully designed pattern. This type of reef is often used in areas where there is already some natural coral growth, as the blocks can provide a substrate for the coral to attach to and grow on. Another common method is to sink ships or other large objects onto the seafloor to create an instant reef. While this approach can be cheaper than using concrete blocks, it can also be more damaging to the local ecosystem, as the shipwrecks can release harmful chemicals into the water.
Whichever method you choose, building an artificial barrier reef is not something that can be done overnight. It takes careful planning and execution to ensure that the reef will be effective at protecting Florida’s coast from erosion and sea level rise. But if done correctly, an artificial barrier reef can be a vital tool in protecting our state from the effects
What's Next?
As sea levels continue to rise, it is important that we take action to protect our coasts from flooding and erosion. One option is to build artificial barrier reefs offshore of Florida. These reefs would act as a natural buffer against rising waters and waves, helping to reduce the impact of storms and flooding on our beaches.
In addition to providing protection from sea level rise, artificial barrier reefs can also improve water quality by filtering out pollutants and providing habitat for fish and other marine life. They can also increase beach diversity by providing a variety of different habitats for animals to live in.
Building artificial barrier reefs is not a silver bullet solution to the problem of sea level rise, but it is an effective tool that can help us protect our coasts while also providing other benefits. If you are interested in learning more about this option, please contact your local representatives and let them know that you support the idea of building artificial barrier reefs off the coast of Florida.
Kayakers Standing up for Barrier Reefs to Stimulate EcoTourism
Kayakers standing up for barrier reefs to stimulate eco-tourism is a great way to increase public awareness of the fragile marine ecosystems, while also creating jobs and boosting local economies. By taking part in eco-tours, kayakers can learn about the importance of coral reefs and help further research into their health and conservation. In addition, the experience of paddling through the unique landscapes of submerged coral gardens encourages people to appreciate and protect these vital habitats.
In some areas, local kayak tour operators are providing guided tours that feature educational talks on coral reef ecology and its role in supporting biodiversity. These tours also include tips on how to help protect these vulnerable environments. Kayakers can be sure to avoid any contact with the corals or nearby seagrass beds while they paddle as this can damage the fragile structures. They should also leave all rubbish behind and carry out any snorkelling activities responsibly.
Reefs Enhance EcoTourism
By helping to promote eco-tourism linked to barrier reefs, kayakers can not only enjoy an amazing experience themselves but also contribute positively towards their protection. Furthermore, it offers a potential source of income for locals dependent upon tourism activities, creating sustainable livelihoods from reef preservation efforts. Overall, this is an excellent way to combine a fun recreational activity with the important task of caring for our planet’s natural wonders.
A little imagination and a Herculean Effort
